The Wells Trading Post, which originally closed its doors eight years ago, has been relaunched in a new location by the original team. The new Wells Trading Post is located at 1 Priest Row, next door to the Long Story Bistro. Aside from the instantly recognisable sign, the fact that the shop is also a bright shade of terracotta means that it’s very easy to find.
The original Wells Trading Post, which was one of Wells’ most iconic shops, was owned by Tanith and Robin Tothill, and ran from 1997 to 2018 at the Old Mill in West Street. Changing retail conditions, and disruption from the development of the St Athelm Lodge retirement complex adjoining the mill, caused the business to close.
Tanith regained the retail bug when she recently launched The Junction shop on Priory Road with Rachel Sherman. Now Rachel is the sole owner of The Junction and Tanith has moved around the corner.
Tanith explained the reason for the move: “The decision to split from The Junction was because that the shop was too small for me,” she said. “I needed to move out into a larger space where I could express myself better.
“What I wanted to do was recreate Wells Trading Post, but only the best bits of Wells Trading Post; all the bits that everybody came back for.
“The two big changes from the original Trading Post are that there’s no tool room, and I’m not doing commission sales. If you’ve got something to sell then please email me, and if I’ve got room and it suits the business, I’ll buy it from you.”
“Eight years ago I promised myself and all my friends and family that I would never do it again, because it was such hard work and so very big. This is much easier to manage, though.”
The Wells Trading Post is a blend of festival and vintage fashion, records, furniture and a colourful mix of delights, including vases, lamps, posters, retro telephones, and so much more – ‘quirky products’, in Tanith’s own words. All curated and displayed with Tanith’s very experienced eye. She said: “It’s just in my blood to get up at five in the morning and go rooting around in a car boot sale. I really love buying, and I really love selling.”
“I just want to say how grateful I am for all the support from the people of Wells,” said Tanith, “from old customers and new customers, and all the people who have given up their time to help me.
“I’ve had an incredible talented dedicated team behind me, so a really big shout out to the Trading Post team. And a big thank you to my neighbours at Long Story Bistro, who were waiting outside for me on opening day with the biggest bunch of roses you’ve seen. They’ve been so supportive.”
The Wells Trading Post is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am-4pm. If you have anything to sell, or just want to find out more about the shop, you can email Tanith on tanithtradingpost@gmail.com or send her a WhatsApp message on 07532 268000.
